Yagura

Description:

• This izakaya (Japanese-style pub) is convenient if you're visiting nearby Temple Street Night Market. Casual yet hip, with dark wooden beams reminiscent of Japanese farmhouses, latticed screens, and an entire wall lined with sake bottles (including the restaurant's own private label), Yagura is divided into a general seating area plus sushi and tempura counters. You can, however, order whatever you like no matter where you sit, allowing you to design your own meal. You might, for example, wish to start with sushi rolls (the lobster or Wagyu with asparagus rolls are pricey but excellent choices), progress to red snapper or sweet potato tempura, and finish up with noodles or one of the robatayaki (grilled) dishes, like grilled tuna with wasabi soy sauce or grilled Wagyu beef with teriyaki or garlic soy sauce. Since the purpose of an izakaya is to socialize with friends, it's common to order one or two dishes at a time rather than the whole meal at once, making it a good choice for both a snack with drinks or a relaxed, drawn-out meal.

• © Frommer's 2012

Awards:

Frommer's

•  Recommended 2010